'From Netflix stardom to LA court': Masterson's alarming legal battle emerges
Actor Danny Masterson from 'That '70s Show' faced shocking rape charges from nearly 20 years prior. Dive into Hollywood's whirlwind tale of allegations, justice, and legacy.
Updated : October 20, 2023 05:27 PM ISTActor Danny Masterson from 'That '70s Show' faced shocking rape charges from nearly 20 years prior. Dive into Hollywood's whirlwind tale of allegations, justice, and legacy.
Hollywood's glitz and glamour occasionally face the gloom of grave allegations, and in 2020, 'That '70s Show' famed actor, Danny Masterson, was in the midst of one such storm.
A Blast from the Past - or a Nightmare?
Fast rewind to the early 2000s - as reported by NBC News, Los Angeles officials dropped the bombshell: Danny Masterson was being charged with three separate rape allegations from nearly two decades ago. The period? 2001 to 2003. The stage? Masterson's home, and the heart of Hollywood, the Hollywood Hills neighborhood.
The victims, all women, sought "justice, accountability, and truth." Their plea reverberated with their statement: "We are thankful that the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office is finally seeking criminal justice against Masterson." Yet, two other accusations against the actor were not pursued, with reasons ranging from insufficient evidence to the expiration of the statute of limitations.
Netflix to Courtroom: Masterson's Tumultuous Journey
The once-loved star of 'The Ranch' on Netflix, which he shared with Ashton Kutcher, had exited the show in 2017 amid similar allegations. A question hovered: Were these allegations connected to the charges announced in 2020? Masterson had been a vocal critic of these claims, once remarking, "Law enforcement investigated these claims more than 15 years ago and determined them to be without merit."
Yet, his exit from Netflix, his statement back in 2017, and the charges in 2020 all collided during the rise of the powerful #MeToo movement. A period where victims globally were empowered to raise their voices against sexual misconduct by influential figures.
Awaiting Justice Amidst Clouds of Controversy
The actor's attorney, Tom Mesereau, became a beacon of Masterson's defense. Standing steadfast, Mesereau proclaimed that "the people who know Mr. Masterson know his character and know the allegations to be false." Masterson and his close circle found solace in the belief that the truth would prevail, especially given the age of the allegations.
With a bail set at a hefty $3.3 million and a potential maximum sentence of 45 years to life if convicted, the stakes were sky-high. The entertainment world watched closely, speculating, debating, and waiting for the court's final call.
Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.